Doctor offers tips on taking control of stress

Spring is here. Along with warming weather, blooming flowers and chirping birds, Spring also signals National Stress Awareness Month, which is observed every April.

Why is Stress Awareness Month so important? For a number of reasons, according to Nicholas G. Hanson, MD, of Castleview Hospital.

"Stress can take its toll on our health in many ways. It can cause depression or anxiety, lead to heart disease, and cause high blood pressure and obesity, among other things," saidDr. Hanson. "While some level of stress in our lives is inevitable and can even be positive, it's important for people to learn how to manage their stress for their physical and mental health and well being."

What is stress? According to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS), stress is the body's response to any demand or change. Most people can identify with stress caused by negative situations such as the loss of a loved one, an accident, a difficult relationship or interaction, or trouble at work. But stress can also result from positive situations, like getting married, having a baby or getting a new job. Stress can be either long-term or short-term, and can present itself in many ways.

Dr. Hanson emphasizes the importance of identifying "stressors" in your life - the events or situations that cause you stress - and recognizing how your body responds to those situations.

The following are 10 suggestions about how to improve your stress levels:

1. Be organized. Prioritize your to-do list and plan your time, being realistic about how long tasks will take.

2. Be flexible. While planning is good and can help prevent stress, it also is important to be prepared to change your plans and respond to situations as needed.

3. If you know a stressful event is on the horizon, be prepared. This could mean thinking through responses for an interview or getting a good night sleep before a long day at work.

4. Make it a habit to take a moment to breathe deeply and relax. Stretch your muscles, too. Doing these things can relax your body and your mind.